Vasovist (gadofosveset trisodium), the novel contrast agent for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of Schering AG, Germany, has been approved by the European Commission in all 25 member states of the EU.

Vasovist is an innovative blood pool contrast agent indicated for visualization of abdominal or limb vessels in patients with known or suspected vascular disease such as stenosis and aneurysms. Its approval establishes a new class of MR contrast media, according to a company release.

Michael Rook, Head of Diagnostic Imaging at Schering AG said, "Due to the prolonged blood residence time of the new contrast agent, Vasovist-enhanced MRA offers the clinician a very robust and flexible method to perform a comprehensive and detailed diagnostic work-up in patients with known or suspected vascular disease. Vasovist will thus bring a substantial benefit to a large number of patients who might otherwise have to undergo catheter-based X-ray angiography (XRA) for a thorough diagnosis. With its unique characteristics, Vasovist may lead to increased utility of contrast-enhanced MRA and thus to a wider adoption of this minimally invasive method."

Millions of people worldwide suffer from various forms of vascular disease. In Europe alone, approximately 4 million X-ray angiograms are performed every year for the diagnosis and management of vascular disease. MRA with Vasovist represents an alternative to XRA as a minimally invasive and safe way of visualizing the vascular system with a single injection. Vasovist improves structure delineation of normal vascular anatomy and vascular pathology.